Responding to the figures, Janet Davis, RCN executive director, said: ‘Too many employers are failing to put the time and the resources into measures that prevent attacks on staff in the first place.

‘In fact, in the absence of effective employer action, the RCN has created guidance for nurses and employers outlining how to reduce the risk of attacks in their workplace.

‘The NHS needs to pursue prosecution more vigorously. With less than 3% of attackers receiving some sort of criminal sanction, it’s very clear that the system is continuing to fail attacks – a poor deterrent for would-be attackers.’